Author: Submitted

As the temperature outside drops, Douglas families take to the indoors to keep safe and warm. What they may not realize is that turning up the heat can increase the risk of home heating fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), half of all home heating fires occur during the winter months. On average, NFPA research shows that heating equipment is involved in more than 62,550 reported U.S. home structure fires per year, with associated loss of more than 516 civilian deaths, more than 1,595 civilian injuries and roughly $924 million in direct property damage per year. “While…

As the holiday season is upon us, the City of Douglas Police Department would like to remind everyone that holiday shopping can present some danger. During the holiday season, people become less attentive as their lives become more hectic, which could make them susceptible to crime and danger. Taking a few prevention measures can help ensure a jovial holiday season. “The holiday shopping season can cause some people to be more at risk to theft and other holiday crime,” says Chief Casteloes. “We hope that by sharing these safety tips, it will remind people to be more prepared by being…

West Green Elementary School is proud to announce that Marina Martinez, a 4th grade student in Mrs. Dominique Carver’s homeroom, won Satilla REMC’s 16th Annual Christmas Card Contest for her grade level. The theme of this year’s contest was “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas.” Marina received a certificate and a Wal-Mart gift card for her hard work. -Submitted by West Green Elementary School

It’s a simple craft project to grant a simple wish. All six-year-old Addie Lynn Fausett from Utah wants for Christmas is a lifetime of Christmas cards. When kindergarten teacher Brooke Wiederhold heard about Addie Lynn’s wish, she and her students quickly began creating cards for her. Ms. Wiederhold shared the story with other teachers at Westside and many of their students made cards, as well. Westside wishes Addie Lynn a wonderful Christmas filled with a multitude of Christmas cards, and encourages others to send Addi Lynn and her sisters homemade cards to the following address: Addie Lynn and SisterP.O. Box…

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Foundation North held its 29th annual meeting last month at the Charles Harris Learning Center on the Ben Hill-Irwin campus. Approximately 250 guests filled the banquet room decorated in a Christmas theme. This annual event, given by the Foundation to honor supporters of the college and the Foundation, is held each year to honor and recognize friends of the college. This year’s event was dedicated to Mr. Newt Hudson. We all benefited from his years of tireless efforts in the Georgia legislature. When budgets were cut, he was right there in the midst of the battle…

Carlton Brandon Jowers, age 38, of Atlanta, GA passed away on Monday, December 8, 2014. Mr. Jowers was born on June 23, 1976, in Tifton, GA to Phillip Mackey Jowers and Sharlene Helon Nolan Jowers Ingram. Survivors include: his mother and stepfather, Sharlene Jowers Ingram and Kevin Ingram of Douglas, GA; father and stepmother, Phillip Mackey Jowers and Gretta Jowers of Ambrose, GA; brother, Jody Phillip Jowers of Ambrose, GA; three step brothers, Jeremy Smith of Broxton, Brandon Smith and Travis Ryan Smith both of Douglas, GA; paternal grandmother, Betty Ann Jowers of Douglas, GA; and several nieces and nephews.…

After several months of renovation and preparation, Still Waters Christian Women’s Outreach Center is ready to open. The residential environment will be much more than just a place to live; it’s a place of spiritual healing for women as they grow in Christ and prepare for workforce reentry. The facility is the collaborative effort of community leaders and volunteers who share the desire to provide a safe home for women while they work a program to regain a productive life. Two homes are located on the eleven acre site. The original home will provide space for nine women and the…

Each year, Hope Outreach Center provides Christmas gifts to dozens of local children in need. According to Josh Talkington, After-School Program Director, there are currently several children on on the center’s list without sponsors. “Hope Center needs your prayers and participation as we strive to make Christmas special for children who are caught in poverty and whose families struggle with the basic needs of life,” Talkington says. Since 1998, hundreds of children have been blessed with gifts because of generous donations provided by countless local citizens and groups. The cost to sponsor a child this Christmas is $150. This year’s…

Mr. Willard Harrell, age 77, of Douglas passed away Sunday morning, Dec. 7, 2014, at his residence in the Huffer Community, following an extended illness. Mr. Harrell was born July 29, 1937 to the late Herbert Isbon Harrell and the late Gussie Worth Harrell. Survivors include: His Wife: Lola Corbitt Harrell of Douglas, Ga.; 1 Son: Garry Harrell of Douglas, Ga.; 2 Daughters: Lynn H. Pittman of Dewey Rose, Ga., and Wilda Wright of Douglas, Ga.; 2 Sisters: Vivian Kirkland of Nicholls, Ga., and Kathy Sumner of Fitzgerald, Ga.; 6 Grandchildren: Gerry D. Harrell of Douglas, Ga. ; Perry A.…

The South Georgia State College Hawks won their conference opener Saturday afternoon and upset a nationally-ranked opponent in the process, defeating No. 23 Georgia Highlands College, 89-74. The win also extended the Hawks’ current winning streak to five games. “This was a very physical game and a great team win for us,” said head coach Cory Baldwin. “It was also a good indication of just how tough our conference will be this year.” Jovante’ Spivey led the Hawks (10-1, 1-0) with 27 points and five assists. Demontrez Austin finished with another double-double of 12 points and 15 rebounds. Jamison Williams…